Andy Murray is in serious doubt for the Australian Open.

What’s the story?

Former World No. 1 Andy Murray took to Instagram to bare his heart to his fans as he battles hard to overcome his persistent hip injury. Hours after pulling out of the Brisbane International on Tuesday, the World No. 16 wrote an emotional post, explaining what prompted him to take this step and even hinted at the possibility of surgery if the rehab does not work out well.

In case you didn’t know

Murray was looking forward to kicking off the 2018 season at the Brisbane International after being on the sidelines for six months owing to the hip injury. His last competitive match was at the Wimbledon Championships in July, where he succumbed to a five-set defeat to Sam Querrey in the quarter-finals.

But shortly before his opener on Tuesday, the Scot announced his withdrawal, which casts serious doubts over his participation at the Australian Open, where he has been a five-time runner-up.

The heart of the matter

After apologizing to fans for the last-minute withdrawal, Murray revealed that he has been playing practice sets in Brisbane to gauge his fitness. Unfortunately, he still doesn't feel confident about reaching the level he would have liked.

Murray then talked at length about his recovery from the stubborn hip injury that has bothered him for the last six months. On the advice of top hip specialists, the 30-year-old chose to rehab since the US Open in a bid to get back to playing conditions.

His body, however, has failed to respond to rehab, leaving the Scot in a quandary as to whether to give himself more time and continue it or to opt for surgery. The latter is not guaranteed of giving a favourable outcome, which is why the two-time Wimbledon champion has leaned towards the former.

Even though surgery has been his secondary option all along, the former World No. 1 cannot rule it out totally and would soon have to take a call.

"Surgery is also an option but the chances of a successful outcome are not as I high as I would like which has made this my secondary option and my hope has been to avoid that. However this is something I may have to consider but let's hope not," Murray wrote.

What’s next?

The three-time Grand Slam champion will be staying in Australia for the next couple of days and decide by the weekend whether he can play at the season’s first Major or has to go back home for further treatment.

Author’s take

Should Andy Murray miss the Australian Open, it will be highly disappointing for he has consistently performed well in the season’s opening Major. But a player’s health is of paramount importance. Playing at a Slam should not come at the expense of his fitness and he should do everything possible to be injury-free once again.